Rose to leave Somerset post

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Somerset director of cricket Brian Rose is to step down at the end of the season by mutual consent.

The 62-year-old has enjoyed a long association with the west country side, captaining them and earning England honours as a player and returning in a coaching role in 2004.

During that time they have won promotion to LV= County Championship Division One and established themselves as one of the leading county sides in all formats, though a succession of runner-up finishes in recent years has proved frustrating.

Rose said: "I have had immense pride in overseeing the development of Somerset cricket over the last eight seasons as director of cricket.

"Our progress in that time, from the age groups through to the first team, has been outstanding with teams competing at the highest levels across the board.

"The cricket played by our teams has been highly attractive to watch and is reflected by the fantastic support from members and supporters.

"I also take a lot of pride in the development of the talented young cricketers that are now representing England, England Lions and England Under-19s."

A left-handed batsman in his playing days, Rose’s Somerset captaincy is best remembered for a controversial Benson & Hedges Cup game against Worcestershire in 1979.

With teams level in the table separated by strike rate, Rose declared Somerset’s innings after one over - condemning them to certain defeat, but ensuring they could not be overhauled in the battle to qualify for the next round.

Brian Rose, second right, has overseen big names such as Steffan Jones, Andy Caddick, Marcus Trescothick and Justin Langer at Somerset

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